Conflicting Forces in Japan (512-515)

Hirohito - Reigned from 1926 to 1989.

Ultranationalists - Leading military officials and extreme nationalists.
Manchria - Region was rich in natural resources, and Japanese businesses had already invested heavily there.

Conflicting forces in Japan
Hirohito was the emperor from 1926 to 1989, ruling during the 20s and 30s. During this time Japan experienced success and tragedy.

Japan on the Rise

• During the 1920s Japan moved towards greater prosperity and democracy, leaving behind imperialistic ideas.
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• Japan strengthened relations with other westernized countries. Japan came an industrialized power during World War I, by exporting goods to countries fighting in the war.
• Japan started spreading their influence into China, they also annexed Korea, as well as took over former German lands in east Asia.
• During the 1920s political parties grew stronger with elected members of the Diet (The Japanese Parliament).
• In 1925 all adult men received the right to vote no matter what class.
• Despite democracy, political parties were manipulated by the Zaibatsu, Japan's powerful business leaders.
• To protect relations with western powers, Japan decided to slow down foreign expansion.
• Although there was lots of political reform and economical prosperity, rural peasants were still very, very poor.
• workers in factories earned low wages, their poverty drew them to the idealistic teachings of Marx and Lenin.
• Because of westernization the younger generations started to revolt, ignoring and rejecting traditions, shocking the elders.
• Tensions between government and military arose. Military pointed out government corruption and disrespect to Japanese culture.
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• One low point in the economy was after the earthquake of 1923. The earthquake killed over 100,000 people and 45% of the survivors lost their jobs because so many buildings were destroyed.

The Nationalist Reactions:

• great depression caused foreign buyers unable to afford japanese exports, unemployment to rise, and starvation problems
• In the early 1930's, ultra nationalists were winning support from the people for foreign conquests.
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• Members of extreme nationalist societies assassinated many politicians and business leaders who opposed expansion.
• Military leaders began planning to overthrow the government and in 1936, the military was in brief control of the center of Tokyo.
• In 1937, opposition forced the government to accept military domination.
• To please the ultra nationalists, the new government cracked down on socialists and restrainded most democratic freedoms.
• The new government also revived ancient warrior values and built a cult around emperor Hirohito.
• This cult spread the nationalist message by using schools to teach students about absolute obedience to the emperor and service to the state.
• In the 1930's Japan took advantage of China's civil war to increase size and gain more resources.
• Unfortunately, in 1939, WWII broke out in Europe and spread to Asia.
• Japan allied with Germany and Italy. Later these three powers signed the Tripantite pack in September 1940, cementing the alliance that would be known as the Axis of Powers.
• This alliance turned WWII into a brutal and wide ranged conflict.
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4. During the 1920s, Japan became more prosperous and more democratic. C
5. Who were the zaibatsu? Powerful Japanese business leaders who influenced the government. B
6. What natural disaster struck Japan in 1923? An earthquake. D
7. What was one effect of the Great Depression in Japan? The Ulntranationalists gained power. C
8. What made Manchuria attractive to the Japanese? It was rich in natural resources. C
9. Now did Japanese nationalists use the schools to increase their power? Students were taught to obey and serve the state. B
10. With what countries did Japan ally itself in 1936? Italy and Germany. D